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Thursday, July 20, 2006

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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- Illinois' governor announced Thursday he was diverting $5 million from the state budget for stem cell research, despite repeated objections from state legislators.

The move came a day after President Bush vetoed federal legislation that would have expanded funding for embryonic stem cell research.

Illinois lawmakers have previously voted down stem cell funding over ideological differences, and this spring they didn't take up the governor's proposal for $100 million in funding over five years.

"Investing in research that can save lives and prevent serious illnesses is more than a sound public health strategy, it's our moral obligation," Gov. Rod Blagojevich, a Democrat, said in a statement Thursday.

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The money will come out of administrative funds already set aside for the state Department of Healthcare and Family Services, Blagojevich said.

Stem cells are building blocks that turn into different types of tissue. Embryonic stem cells are able to turn into any tissue, given the right biochemical instructions. Scientists hope to harness them to regenerate damaged organs or other body parts.

Many opponents of the research consider embryonic stem cells to be early human life.

© 2006 Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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